Wharariki
Phormium cookianum
Introduction
Introduction Overview
Mountain flax ( Phormium ) is a hardy New Zealand plant . Learn more about wetland plants .
Plant Description
Botanical Features
Wharariki (Phormium cookianum), commonly known as Mountain Flax, is a graceful New Zealand native perennial plant. It is characterized by its arching green leaves, which are typically softer and greener than those of Phormium tenax, and can grow up to 1.5 meters long. The leaves are broadleaf evergreen and have a grassy texture. In summer, it produces tall flower spikes, ranging from 60 cm to 2 meters in length, bearing tubular flowers that are typically yellow, dull pink, or orange. These flowers are attractive to birds and pollinators. Following the flowers, black, pendulous, and twisted seed capsules develop, which are often used in floral arrangements. This plant generally grows to about 1-1.5 meters tall and wide. It is hardy and tolerant of various conditions, including wind, salt, and poor soils, thriving in full sun to part shade. It is often found in subalpine and alpine habitats, growing on cliffs, mountain slopes, in seepages, along stream sides, or on the margins of bogs.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts Overview
| Scientific Name | Phormium cookianum |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.6-1.6 m (flower stalks up to 2 m) |
| Spread | 1-2 m (clumping habit) |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers moist, free-draining soil but tolerates dry periods |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low to moderate (tolerates light frost, protect from severe frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | High (excellent coastal/salt wind tolerance) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Lifespan | Perennial (long-lived, clumps persist for decades) |
Climate Best Suited to
Phormium is native to New Zealand and thrives in the country's diverse climate conditions. It adapts well to various regional climates throughout the country.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Natural Habitat
Natural Habitat Overview
Phormium is naturally found in specific habitats throughout New Zealand. Understanding its natural environment helps in providing appropriate growing conditions in cultivation.
Plant Conservation
Conservation
Phormium cookianum, commonly known as mountain flax or wharariki, is a perennial plant endemic to New Zealand. It is currently classified as "Not Threatened" according to the 2023 reassessment of vascular plants under the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This species is found across New Zealand, from coastal and lowland areas up to montane and subalpine regions. It typically grows on cliff faces, rocky ground, along stream sides, and in bogs. While Phormium cookianum itself is not considered threatened, the broader Phormium genus can be affected by "flax dieback" or "yellow-leaf disease." This condition, caused by a phytoplasma bacterium transmitted by the native flax plant hopper, leads to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, root death, and can ultimately cause the plant to collapse. Mealybugs can also pose a threat, particularly to smaller plants. Phormium cookianum holds cultural significance as a taonga (treasure) species to Māori, with various traditional uses. Ecologically, its flowers provide nectar for native birds such as tui and bellbirds. Due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in diverse conditions, including coastal and windy environments, it is utilized in revegetation and landscaping projects, and its extensive root system makes it effective for erosion control.
Soil Requirements
Phormium prefers well-draining soil with good organic content. It can adapt to various soil types but performs best in loamy or sandy soils.
Water Needs
Phormium requires moderate watering, especially during establishment. Once established , it becomes more drought-tolerant.
Light Requirements
Phormium grows best in full sun to partial shade, depending on the specific species and local climate conditions.
Temperature
Phormium is well-adapted to New Zealand's temperate climate and can tolerate both warm summers and cool winters.
Planting Guide
When to Plant
Best planted in spring or autumn when soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
Site Selection
- Choose a site with good drainage and full sun to partial shade.
- Ideal for coastal gardens, wetland edges, and slopes.
Planting Procedure
- Prepare soil by removing weeds and loosening the ground.
- Dig a hole just large enough for the root ball.
- Plant at the same depth as in the pot.
- Backfill and firm gently.
- Water in well and mulch to retain moisture.
Ecological Role
Wildlife Interactions
This plant plays an important ecological role in New Zealand's native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for native wildlife and contributes to ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Uses & Significance
Phormium cookianum, also known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a New Zealand native plant with a wide range of uses and significant cultural, ecological, and horticultural importance.
Uses:
- Gardening and Landscaping: It is widely used in gardens for its aesthetic appeal and hardiness. It can serve as an informal hedge, a specimen plant, or an ornamental feature in gravel gardens and containers. It's also popular for border plantings, alongside water features, in mixed plantings, and for mass planting on banks. Its tolerance to wind, salt, and poor soils makes it ideal for coastal gardens and as ground cover or windbreak/shelter. Its architectural form and striking leaves make it a focal point, and its flowers attract hummingbirds.
- Traditional Māori Uses: Historically, Phormium cookianum held immense cultural significance for the Māori people, primarily due to its valuable fiber. The leaves were used for weaving a vast array of items, including baskets, mats, ropes, clothing, fishing nets, and headbands. The strong fiber was also crucial for making rigging, sails, roofs for housing, and even torches. Specific cultivars were recognized for their superior fiber quality.
- Medicinal (Māori): Various parts of the plant were utilized for medicinal purposes. Roots were used to make medicine, and nectar and pollen were applied as face paint. The sap was valued for its blood-clotting and antiseptic properties, applied to boils, wounds, aching teeth, rheumatic pains, ringworm, skin irritations, and scalds. Splints were fashioned from flower stalks, and fine cords from the fiber were used to stitch wounds. Boiled and crushed roots were used as poultices for boils, tumors, abscesses, and varicose ulcers, while juice from pounded roots served as a disinfectant and internal remedy for constipation or worms.
- Edible: The roasted seeds can be used as a coffee substitute. An edible nectar can be obtained from the flowers and used as a general sweetener. An edible gum is also found at the base of the leaves.
- Other Practical Uses: Beyond its fiber, the plant's gum from the leaf base was used as a paper glue. Its impressive, large root system makes it excellent for erosion control, particularly on banks and bunds.
Significance:
- Cultural Importance: Phormium cookianum holds a deeply significant place in Māori culture, being integral to their daily life, crafts, and traditional medicine.
- Ecological Role: It serves as a vital food source and habitat for various native wildlife, including insects and birds. Its fibrous root system is crucial for controlling erosion, especially along river banks in its native ecosystem, and it can help foster an environment where other plants thrive.
- Horticultural Value: As a hardy and adaptable plant, it is a popular choice for both experienced gardeners and professional landscapers, contributing to diverse garden designs with its architectural form and range of colors and sizes.
- Botanical Significance: It is one of only two species in the genus Phormium and is recognized as a parent contributing the graceful arching form to many hybrids.
Landscaping Uses
Landscaping Uses Overview
This plant is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It can be used in various garden styles and landscape applications.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
- New growth emerges; apply mulch and remove old leaves.
Summer
- Water during dry spells; monitor for pests such as flax snails.
Autumn
- Remove spent flower stalks; divide clumps if needed.
Winter
- Minimal care required; protect young plants from severe frost.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base as needed. Prune spent flower stalks after flowering. Avoid cutting into the central fan, as this can damage the plant. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How to Grow Wharariki
Wharariki, also known as Mountain Flax, is a versatile and hardy native New Zealand flax, celebrated for its graceful, arching leaves and tall flower stalks bearing yellow-green flowers. This evergreen perennial is found throughout New Zealand, typically in mountain areas, coastal cliffs, and wetland margins. Its robust nature and attractive form make it a popular choice for native plant gardens, mass plantings, or as a specimen plant. Wharariki is a resilient and ecologically important plant that adds unique texture and character to any landscape, showcasing the adaptability of New Zealand's native flora. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully growing this delightful species.
From Division
Division is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Wharariki, particularly for home gardeners. This is best done in spring or autumn. Carefully dig up a mature clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and leaves. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil that is moist, well-drained, and humus-rich. Water thoroughly and keep consistently moist until new growth appears. This method is excellent for quickly expanding your stock of plants and for rejuvenating older, less vigorous clumps.
From Seed
Propagating Wharariki from fresh seed is a viable method, though germination can be slow and variable. Collect ripe seeds in late autumn or early winter. Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove any fleshy pulp. Sow the seeds in a tray filled with a well-draining seed-raising mix, lightly covering them. Maintain consistent moisture in the seed tray and keep it in a warm, sheltered location. Germination can take several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers and grown in a sheltered environment before planting out.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Phormium is generally resistant to most pests due to its native adaptations. However, it may occasionally be affected by common garden pests such as aphids or scale insects.
Disease Prevention
To prevent diseases, ensure good air circulation around Phormium and avoid overwatering. Remove any diseased plant material promptly to prevent spread.
Cultural Significance
Cultural Importance
Weaving and Fibre
Wharariki/mountain flax provided muka fibre for regional weaving traditions alongside harakeke. Its softer, more drooping leaves suit specific kete, cords, and bindings in some rohe; planting named cultivars preserves weaving knowledge and local flax resources.
Phormium cookianum, also known as mountain flax or wharariki by the Māori people, holds significant cultural importance in New Zealand. It is one of two species in the Phormium genus, both of which are native to New Zealand and have been traditionally used by Māori for various purposes. The leaves of Phormium cookianum were extensively used by Māori for their valuable fiber, known as muka. This fiber was used to weave baskets, mats, ropes, clothing, fishing nets, and headbands. The handmade flax cording and rope were strong enough to bind together hollowed-out logs for ocean-worthy canoes, and also used for rigging, sails, and even roofs for housing. Frayed ends of the leaves were fashioned into torches. The plant's roots and nectar also had medicinal applications. Roots were used to make medicine, and nectar and pollen from the flowers were used for face paint. The gum-like sap contains enzymes with blood-clotting and antiseptic qualities, traditionally applied to boils, wounds, aching teeth, rheumatic pains, ringworm, skin irritations, scalds, and burns. Splints were made from flower stalks and leaves, and fine cords of muka were used to stitch wounds. Māori also used nectar from the flowers for medicinal purposes and as a sweetener. Each Māori village or community typically had a 'pā harakeke', or flax plantation, highlighting its central role in daily life. The plant was also used to create items like poi (flax balls used in ceremonial dances and as bolas in warfare). While not directly attributed to Phormium cookianum itself, the name "Wharariki" is also associated with Wharariki Beach, a place regarded by the Māori as a portal between worlds, where the souls of the dead depart. The Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach are considered sacred and are used for spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
Bonus Tip
Unlike its close relative, Harakeke (Phormium tenax), Wharariki has drooping flowers and twisted seed capsules, rather than upright ones. The Mori traditionally used a gooey substance found at the base of its leaves for its healing properties on cuts and grazes.
